By RamJunnuri
The Andhra Association of Queensland (AAQ) celebrated Vana Bojanalu on December 1 at Calamvale Community Centre. The celebration was attended by more than 100 AAQ members, including children and their parents, and made the event a grand success.
As the tradition goes, Telugu people go on a picnic with their loved ones in the lunar month of Kartika Masam. ‘Vana’ in Sanskrit and in Telugu literally translates as Forest or Grove and ‘Bhojanam’ is food; thus, it implies having food in a forest or a grove, in other words, a picnic.
Karthika Masam is an important month in the Hindu calendar, typically falling between mid-November and mid-December. It is considered especially auspicious in Southern India. The month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed that worshiping during Karthika Masam brings blessings of prosperity, health, and peace.
Vana Bojanalu aka Garden Lunch is a traditional practice observed by many devotees during Karthika Masam, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It involves a group of people (often women) going to the forest or a natural setting to perform a simple ritual of offering prayers and having a meal, typically vegetarian, in the outdoors. The practice is considered to be a way of connecting with nature and expressing gratitude for the bounty provided by the earth.
Regarding its spiritual significance, Vana Bojanalu is believed to be a way to seek blessings from nature and gods. The act of offering prayers in a serene, natural setting is thought to enhance spiritual growth, cleanse the mind, and purify one’s surroundings. This tradition is often linked to the belief that nature is a divine entity that nurtures life. AAQ’s Spiritual Coordinator Sudha Velamuri performed the auspicious pooja(prayer) and lit the lamp in front of the GooseBerry Tree as is the tradition.
During Vana Bojanalu, a special meal is prepared and shared with the community. The meal usually consists of simple vegetarian food such as rice, lentils, vegetables, and fruits, symbolizing humility and gratitude. The food is offered to Lord Shiva, and it is consumed in the presence of nature to foster a sense of community and harmony. All the members brought special dishes which were delectable and delicious.
Vana Bojanalu is a celebration of togetherness, culture, and devotion. It is not just a religious ritual but also a social event where families and communities bond over shared food and prayers.
Various games were held for children, men and women, and prizes were distributed to winners. AAQ president Uma Chilukoti and vice president RamJunnuri thanked all the members in their attempt to participate and keep the Andhra tradition alive.
Apart from the community bonding that it results in, research shows that spending time with nature enhances health by reducing stress. Such is the wisdom of our ancestors that they even thought of a picnic as an essential social ritual of life.All the members also thanked the AAQ EC team for organizing the day which also established bonding with new members in Brisbane besides fun and relaxation.
Importantly, Karthika Masam and Vana Bojanalu are deeply rooted in Indian traditions, blending spirituality, community bonding, and reverence for nature, and our Andhra Association of Queensland has celebrated this tradition in its entirety.
